He was born Sept. 9, 1926, in Wayne Township, the son of Charles B. and Clara L. (Good) Bussard.

Paul was a resident of the Dayton area most of his life, having graduated from the Dayton Normal Institute in 1944.

He was a member of the Dayton American Legion and was an active member of the Dayton Volunteer Fire Department for fifty-four years, serving many years as the “radio man.”

Paul honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He worked as a dragline operator in the coal industry.

He was known for always having a story to tell and sharing his memories of the Dayton area.

Paul enjoyed talking to people, gardening, reading and fishing.

One of his favorite things to do was woodworking, having created many bowls and unique items to be treasured.

Left to cherish his memory are son Larry D. Bussard and wife Stella of Smicksburg; daughters Lois K. Boor of Reedsville, Pa., Paula S. Keener and husband Barry of Dayton, and Joyce A. Steffy and companion Dan Steele of Dayton; grandchildren David Bussard of Erie, Allison Gerwick of Reedsville, Pa., Adam Keener and wife Crystal of Dayton, Benjamin Steffy, of Smicksburg, Lucas Steffy and wife Angel of Dayton, and Evan Keener of Dayton; great-grandchildren Thad and Brett Gerwick; step-grandson Jon Rishell and wife Teresa of Rossiter; step-great-grandchildren Brooke and Brianna Atherton, and Danielle and Lorrin Rishell; brother Harold “Brownie” Bussard and wife Johanna of Conway, S.C.; and sisters-in-law Aliene Bussard and Jessie Bussard, both of Dayton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Eugene and Bernard Bussard; and sister Woodene Mowery.

Paul’s family would like to thank and acknowledge Jodi Bish for all the love and special care given to both Paul and Ruth over the past three years.

Family and friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, and from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014, at the Bauer-Bly Funeral Home, 125 East Main St., Dayton, Pa., with the Rev. Dennis Howard officiating.

Interment will be at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Smicksburg.

Contributions may be made in Paul’s memory to the Dayton District Volunteer Fire Company, 204 South Poplar St., Dayton, PA 16222.